The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has called for a comprehensive National Employment Mission and setting up of an inter-ministerial and all-State National Employment Board to drive job creation.
“Employment generation extends to multiple dimensions, and a national mission is required to address all aspects holistically. The government’s National Employment Mission should include flexibility in hiring, tax incentives, education and skill development and promotion of labour-intensive sectors,” said Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII.
The industry body suggested that the government set up a National Employment Board that would include representatives of key ministries, State governments and other stakeholders, to examine employment creation hurdles and address them on real-time basis.
The CII also outlined a five-point agenda for the upcoming Budget which noted that the States that introduce fixed-term employment and other labour law reforms should be given priority in any new Central government infrastructure project funding.
Secondly, the reduction in the number of days of employment to 150 for workers in textiles, garments, footwear and leather sectors can be extended to all manufacturing sectors.
The industry body also recommended that under Prime Minister’s Rozgar Protsahan Yojana, the wage threshold should be increased to ₹25,000 from the current ₹ 15,000.
The other suggestions included consideration of corporate income tax rebates for enterprises employing over a certain number of formal workers, and providing skill voucher/wallets to boost skilling.
[“source=thehindubusinessline”]